Open Source Circular Fashion#
Global Instructor: Zoe Romano and Claudia Simonelli
This class introduces the systems shaping the fashion and textile industry, with a focus on alternative models such as circular fashion, agile production and open value chains. The lecture examines how these systems challenge linear, extractive models by promoting adaptability, transparency and shared knowledge. Participants engage with design strategies built on modularity, open-source collaboration, and distributed manufacturing—approaches that enable garments to be reshaped, repaired, upgraded, or fully disassembled, extending product lifecycles and minimizing waste. Participants will document and publish their designs on open-source platforms, such as oscircularfashion.com , learning how to share, monitor and promote their work within distributed networks, fostering collaboration, reuse and community-driven innovation.
Program Outline#
- Values-driven vision in fashion: open, modular, circular and beyond
- Circular fashion and hacking the fashion system
- Design logics: Modular elements & connection “seams”
- References
- Tools/software
Tools/software#
- 2D Drawing Software: Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator
- 2D Pattern Drafting Software: Seamly2D, Valentina Project, Openfitlab
- 3D Parametric Software: Rhinoceros 3D & Grasshopper, Solidworks, Fusion360
- Laser cutter C02
Materials#
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Sealing textiles | Partially synthetic textiles that melt and seal the edges of the cut out |
| Vegetable tanned leather | NOT Chrome tanned leather, as it is toxic when heat-cut |
| Felt - preferably natural | Felt alternatives - PLA or other biodegardable felts |
| Neoprene - type of weave/knit, check fiber composition | NOT “spacer” fabrics |
Assignment#
- Design and prototype with paper and scissors modular configurations and locking connections. Document the paper prototypes
- Run tests of laser cutting of your designs in fabric and document the parameters for the chosen fabric. Design and Document the process
- Laser cut the modules
- Create a modular or seamless garment, showing that the connection is well designed and holds the pull/stretch of a garment
- Document the assembly process and tests.
- Upload the open source file in pdf, in correct scale with 1-5 pictures at (https://oscircularfashion.com) (preferably in white background) The files should be accompanied by a list of materials that can be used, pictures of the final piece, various configurations and pictures of details of assembling or special parameters to be considered
- EXTRA POINT Submit some of the modules to the analog or digital material library of the lab (20x20cm approx.)
Evaluation and assessment#
Check the Assessment Criteria
References#
OS Circular Fashion Platform - oscircularfashion.com
Fabricademy Tutorials - Lasercutting - Vectorial Design